Free events in Central Wisconsin, WI

Drop by the Book Sale Room at MCPL Wausau for a big selection of discounted books, movies, and other media. The room is stocked with thousands of items for low prices, and browsing is free. All ages are welcome. There is also a $6 bag sale scheduled later in the weekend.

Bring your tiny tots for a weekly nature-themed story time led by Schmeeckle education fellows. This session will feature age-appropriate children’s books and include a hands-on activity or craft to explore the outdoors together. The program is free, and there is no registration required. The theme is Fabulous Fire.

This free, hands-on summer series at the Portage County Historical Society offers rotating history themes with interactive activities that make learning enjoyable for all ages. This session spotlights agriculture, showing how farming helped shape Portage County and offering a closer look at early tools, techniques, and traditions.

Bring the kids and their caregivers to a free movie screening of Hoppers in the library community room. The story follows an animal lover who uses clever technology to communicate with beavers and uncover mysteries of the natural world. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and no registration is required. Feel free to bring snacks and refreshments, and please help keep the library clean.

Explore Schmeeckle Reserve after dark on a guided trail walk led by Schmeeckle naturalist Griffin Bray. Take in the soundtrack of a summer night and look for shy nocturnal wildlife along the way. This program is free and does not require registration. Meet at the Menzel Pavilion.

Drop by the MCPL Wausau Book Sale Room for a big, low-price selection of books, movies, and other materials. The room is packed with thousands of items, and this annual event helps support MCPL programming through Friends of MCPL proceeds. The event is free to browse and is open to all ages.

Join WI-JPA for a free, in-person morning of puzzling at the Plover Public Library. Stop by anytime between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM to meet other puzzle lovers, try speed puzzling, play puzzle chess, or work on a puzzle casually with friends. Puzzles will be provided by WI-JPA, and you are welcome to bring your own.

Enjoy no-cost swimming at Donald Copps Municipal Pool, made possible by sponsor Gamber Johnson. Operations may be affected by weather, so check the Facebook page for any closure updates.

Escape the summer sun and build a cozy family fort right between the bookshelves. Basic supplies will be provided to help you get started, and you’re welcome to bring your own blankets, sheets, and pillows to make your fort one-of-a-kind. Once your fort is ready, settle in for a relaxed family reading adventure together. This free drop-in program is for children through age 11 and their families, and you can come anytime during the 2:00 to 4:00 PM window.

The Dragon's Roost hosts Lorcana League with a theme focused on movie decks. Participation and registration are free. During League hours, players may compete or tackle side quests to earn stamps for in-store play. Promotional items are distributed at the close of each month based on stamp totals and attendance.

Join in for Jazz on the River, a free Sunday summer concert series featuring live jazz outdoors in downtown Wausau. The show runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kickbusch Plaza. Parking is available in the lot behind the Marathon County Downtown Library, and you can grab snacks from food trucks or bring your own picnic. Bring a chair. If the weather is bad, the concert moves to Faraway Place (formerly Malarkey’s) at 408 N Third St. in downtown Wausau.

Elite Trivia brings a lively quiz night to Thirsty Arrow in Plover. Teams of any size are welcome, it is free to play, and prizes include gift cards. Answers are entered electronically instead of on paper, so you can stay seated while a live host keeps the game moving with engaging questions and music. Enjoy the atmosphere with food from the menu and drink specials as you compete with friends or meet new teammates.

Participate in a no-cost weekly morning running meetup that sets off from Point Forward Physical Therapy. Meet other runners and get moving together. For questions, contact the organizers.

Felicia Gremmer is the new leader of the Park Hopper Group and has planned a meetup that is suitable for both kids and parents. Chocolate chip cookies will be provided as a snack. If you plan to attend, please let Felicia know at 608-513-1110.

Arrive at your convenience and take part in a free, lively creative community. Bring a personal project to work on in a collaborative studio environment, or try the free supplies connected to the studio's monthly theme. Themes rotate and include relief printmaking, rubbings, found object printmaking, and bean mosaics. Open studio hours are paused at select times for Summer Art Sessions, Treasuring Memories, and Camry Ivory's artist residency.

Trade Night at Coulee Cards & Gaming in Wausau invites collectors of sports cards, Pokémon, Magic, and other trading card games to bring their collections and connect with fellow hobbyists. Registration is not required. Enjoy complimentary pizza and take part in free raffle drawings while you trade, meet new people, and share the hobby.

Join other Pokémon fans for a monthly meetup to trade cards and chat about everything Pokémon. This free drop-in event is open to children and their families, and it will take place in the Aquarium Room.

Trivia at D1 features seven rounds, including a themed round that changes weekly. Participation is free, and there is a chance to win complimentary craft beverages.

Take a trip back in time with an interactive Dinosaur Dimensions program for children and their caregivers. Kids will enjoy a fun storyline, watch animatronic dinosaur puppets come to life, and learn fascinating dinosaur facts with plenty of surprises. After the program, there’s a special one-on-one meet and greet with photo opportunities for participants. This is a free event with no registration required, and it will be held in the Community Room on the second floor.

A friendly meetup where local artists connect over coffee to share ideas and talk about current projects. Artists working in any discipline, including the literary arts, are welcome. The gathering takes place in the CCA's Upper Reception Room. For more information, contact Lyn Steinmetz.

Teens are invited to drop in at the library for a gaming session of Celeste® on the Nintendo Switch. You will help Madeline work her way up Celeste Mountain through lots of challenging levels. There is also a friendly twist: if you get a game over, players get swapped out. The event is free, no registration is required, and it runs in the Conference Room on the second floor.

This free open studio offers a relaxed space for people who enjoy stitching to work on projects, learn something new, and connect with others who share the same interest. Participants can bring a favorite stitchery project or start something new. Snacks are provided, and optional donations help support the use of the space. For more information, contact Marsha Oberg at marshaoberg@chestnutarts.org.

Live music fills the Mathias Mitchell Public Square Main Street Historic District with Notes @ Night, a summer series set in the heart of the square. Each week features a different performer, bringing variety and fresh energy to the middle of the week. Admission is free and open to all, with support from Tommy’s Express Car Wash. Guests can bring chairs, gather friends, and arrive ready to dance. A 50/50 raffle supports programs and projects of the Stevens Point Downtown Business Improvement District. If rain moves in, nearby indoor locations serve as backups and updates will be posted on the event page. Performers across the season include Steve Strasman, L & E Music, Jordan Bain, Klein Creek, Stewart Ellyson, First Avenue Acoustic, Bluez Driver, Soul Whiskey, Darkhorse, John Harry, A Joyful Little Band, Sarah Fierek & The Wildflowers, Hijinx, an open mic night called Point’s Got Talent, and Emma Sprenger. Make it a full outing by exploring downtown shopping, dining, and beverages before or after the show.

Enjoy a lively gymkhana with exhibitions leading into the main show. On-site concessions will be available, and spectators are admitted at no charge. It is a family friendly experience.

A free weekly morning run club meets at Point Forward Physical Therapy. This regular gathering brings runners together for a shared outing in the early hours. Questions are welcome, and the organizers can provide more details.

The Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Farmers Market brings together local growers and makers for a seasonal showcase of abundance. Shop for just-picked fruits and vegetables, fragrant herbs, and colorful flowers. Browse handcrafted goods, enjoy bakery favorites, pick up canned and jarred specialties, and grab something ready to eat while you stroll. Set along the Wisconsin River, it is a welcoming spot to find fresh food, discover unique items, and connect with the community.

Adults who enjoy writing fiction, nonfiction prose, or poetry can connect with fellow writers and poets in a relaxed, supportive setting. This ongoing group welcomes every skill level and offers a comfortable place to share a passion for the craft. Light refreshments are provided.

This in-store Dungeons and Dragons play session takes place at The Dragon's Roost. Participation is free.

Part of a free outdoor summer film series at The 400 Block, this screening features Zootopia 2 under the open sky in downtown Wausau. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks for an easygoing, family friendly evening. Consider stopping by a downtown spot for dinner or treats before the show. The series is supported by Title Sponsor Love You, Kid!, with media support from WAOW Channel 9 and funding for two screenings from the Community Foundation through the Community Arts Grant.

Elite Trivia brings an energetic, app-powered game night to Ryders Roadhouse and Grill in Wisconsin Rapids. Players submit answers on their phones for instant scoring, while an in-person host keeps things lively with music and fun between questions. Each game blends image clues, short videos, music, and a broad mix of categories for a fast paced challenge. There is no cost to participate, and top teams can earn gift card prizes. Enjoy weekly live hosted entertainment, food and drinks, and a Daily Bonus that can boost your score.